You found a 5-star moving company with glowing reviews. Everyone seems *beyond thrilled* with their experience. But when moving day comes? Chaos. Damaged furniture. A driver who smells like regret. And worse — you try to leave a bad review… and the company has vanished. New name, same scammers.
Welcome to the shady underworld of Fake Reviews & Multiple Business Names — where rogue movers reinvent themselves faster than you can say “security deposit.”
🧙♂️ How This Scam Works
Here’s the play-by-play:
- A rogue company operates under one name until bad reviews catch up.
- They shut that brand down and open a new one under a different name (with a new shiny logo and all).
- They populate review sites with fake 5-star ratings using bots or paid “customers.”
- They rinse and repeat. You never know who you’re really hiring.
It’s like a bad ex using a new Tinder profile with a mustache and a different hoodie.
📉 Real Victim Stories
“The company I hired had perfect reviews. But after my furniture was stolen, I tried to warn others — only to find the business name had changed. All their social media was wiped.” – Actual complaint on BBB
“Every site had glowing reviews, but when I looked up their DOT number, it was linked to 4 other names — all with their own shady past.” – Reddit user, r/MovingScams
🧼 Spotting Fake Reviews
Look for these telltale signs:
- All reviews are 5-star with no specific details (“Great service!” isn’t convincing).
- Similar wording across multiple reviews, like they were copy-pasted.
- Reviewer accounts with no photo, history or other reviews.
- Spikes in reviews over a short time frame.
- Vague praise but no mention of real moving challenges like stairs, delays, or budget.
🔍 Detecting Multiple Business Names
This scam often includes a moving company registering under 2, 3, or even 10 different names. Here’s how to catch them:
- Search their USDOT number at FMCSA Protect Your Move. This number is unique — no matter how many names they use.
- Look up their phone number or email — it might link to other businesses.
- Check domain creation dates using tools like Whois Lookup. Many fake companies are barely weeks old.
- Find their address on Google Maps. Is it a warehouse or just a random UPS mailbox?
😄 The “Review Factory” Metaphor
Imagine going to a restaurant with 400 reviews, all saying “best burger ever.” You go in. There are no chairs. The chef is a raccoon. Your credit card gets charged $600 for “bread optimization.” You run outside — and the place is gone the next day, replaced by a “sushi spa” with — yep — 400 perfect reviews again. That’s the scam in action.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
- Look for companies with real mixed reviews — a healthy balance means authenticity.
- Use third-party review platforms like BBB, Yelp, and Trustpilot (not just their site).
- Verify USDOT numbers and make sure the business name matches.
- Ask for references — and actually call them.
- Be cautious with newly formed websites with no business history or public-facing staff.
- Look at their social media — bots don’t post real moving day photos or team videos.
📢 Legit Review Check Tools
✅ Final Word: Trust the Red Flags
If a moving company looks too perfect, they probably are. Trust your gut. Check credentials. And don’t be afraid to dig — one extra search could save you thousands (and your couch).
Because when it comes to hiring movers, it’s better to read one honest 3-star review than fifty fake 5-star ones. Your sanity — and your stuff — will thank you. 🛋️🛡️
Was this article helpful? Share it with someone planning a move — and let’s expose the fakes together! 😎